Little Rock Pond is located in the 46,283
acre Pharaoh Lake Wilderness in the East-Central Adirondacks. It is
a scenic little pond with a nice open rock area near the shore that
is perfect for a picnic lunch or to catch some sun.
Most hikers use Putnam Pond State Campgroundas the main base
to reach Little Rock Pond. It is a 1.5 mile one way hike to reach
the open rocks on Little Rock Pond from the state campground. This
hike is easy to moderate and can be enjoyed by most everyone.

For whatever reason this pond
isn't in most hiking guide books, accept for a passing thought on a
journey to a more popular destination in this area. That might mean
that you'll have this scenic pond all to yourself most of the time.
From the campground trailhead, follow the yellow marked trail. The GPS
coordinated of the start of the trail is N43 50.750 W73 34.234 for
those who have a GPS. Don't have a GPS for out on the trail? Then check out the Garmin eTrex 30x.
There is a DEC Trail Mileage Sign at the trailhead. It does not
include Little Rock Pond. Don't worry, you are on the right trail.

Almost immediately you'll
reach a DEC Trail Register. Be sure to sign the register, just in
case. It could save your life if you get lost. The trail is well
defined and easy to follow. At 0.3 miles you'll reach a trail
junction. The blue marked trail goes straight 1.2 miles to Bear Pond
and 2.7 miles to Rock Pond. Turn left here and cross a small stream
on a foot bridge, following the yellow marked trail. The trail
climbs as you get above Heart Pond, which is on your right. There is
an unmarked herd path that takes you eventually down to Heart Pond
at around the 0.4 mile mark.

Continuing on the yellow trail the trail will
veer as you make your way to North Pond, which is actually the
northern part of Putnam Pond. At 0.6 miles from the trailhead the
yellow marked trail begins to descend toward North Pond. There are
herd paths that lead to the edge of the pond. At 1.0 miles reach a
trail junction. The trail on the left travels a couple hundred feet
to the shore of North Pond at a canoe landing site. Turn right here
continuing to follow the yellow marked trail. The trail climbs as
you travel away from North Pond.

Soon after starting to descend a bit you'll
reach another trail junction at 1.25 miles. The trail on the right
is the Rock Pond Spur Trail. Go left and continue following the
yellow marked trail. Soon you'll pass a rather large water area on
your left as the trail barely avoids this wet area. This is not
Little Rock Pond, but you are almost there! At 1.5 miles you'll see
the pond and the open rocks. This is a great spot to relax, picnic
or just ponder the beauty. The Little Rock Pond Lean To is located
up on the hill, within the trees with no view of the pond. Most
hikers miss this lean to, making it a seldom visited lean to. You
may forget all about the lean to once you sit and relax on the rocks
next to this pretty little pond.

Rock Pond is a just 0.1 miles continuing
on the yellow marked trail. At the next trail junction, turn right
and you'll soon reach Rock Pond Lean To as well as the larger Rock
Pond. To return, simply retrace your steps back to the campground.
There are many
hiking opportunities for those looking for more of an adventure. There
is a trail that goes around Rock Pond. Check out Rock Pond
for more information. Look below for a map,
video and some
pictures. You can get more info on hiking in this area with trail maps of the Adirondacks from Adirondack Park Bundle- Trails Illustrated Map.